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About this course

Study on the UK’s only Cosmetic Science MSc, designed in consultation with industry

Learn from a research active, academic team within one of the oldest and well-established schools of pharmacy in the world

Discover key modules taught by world-renowned academics involved in the EU Horizon Cosmos Project, with a strong emphasis on the safety assessment of cosmetic products

Undertake research projects with potential industry partners and academic research groups, including: Formulation and Drug Delivery Group, Chemoinformatics Research Group and Biomedical Science Research Group

There are many ways to fund postgraduate study for home and international students. From loans to International Scholarships and subject-specific funding, you’ll find all of the information you need on our specialist postgraduate funding pages.

Employability

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 96% (HESA 2017) of our postgraduates in work or further study six months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

This programme offers a coherent and progressive education, providing expertise and knowledge in formulation, testing, regulation and licensing ready for employment in the cosmetic, perfumery and related industries.

Although the majority of graduates will go on to secure employment in cosmetic and perfumery companies, there is also the option to progress your academic studies by studying for a PhD.

Core modules

Research Methods
20 credits

Formulation and Characterisation of Cosmetics
20 credits

In this module, you will learn to formulate cosmetic products and test formulation characteristics. The module aims to equip you with a knowledge, understanding and application of raw materials and active cosmetic ingredients in producing cosmetic formulations.

Physiology and Toxicology
20 credits

In this module you will learn about the human physiology of relevance to cosmetic formulations and the raw/active materials used in formulations together with their effects on the body.

Safety Assessment of Cosmetics
20 credits

This module equips you with detailed knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework covering chemical safety assessment of cosmetics ingredients in the UK, EU and worldwide.

Manufacture of Cosmetics
20 credits

The module will equip you with the knowledge and understanding of large scale-up for manufacturing, packaging, labelling, regulation and claims applicable to cosmetic formulations. In addition, you will acquire the knowledge, understanding and application of microbiological testing.

Business Planning for Cosmetic Science
20 credits

This module will enable you to analyse and identify a commercially viable cosmetic product and produce a business plan to enable the product to be launched.

Research Project
60 credits

This module provides an opportunity to complete an independent, in-depth, 12 week scientific study on an agreed aspect of biotechnology and related areas.

Teaching

An insight into teaching on your course

Study hours

Semester 1: Monday at 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm, Tuesday at 9am-12pm and 2pm-5pm and Wednesday at 9am-12pm

Semester 2: Monday at 9am-11am, Wednesday at 9am-11am and Thursday at 9am-5pm

There may be opportunities to undertake a research project at a cosmetic science company as part of the programme.

Assessment

How learning is monitored on your programme

To cater for the wide-ranging content of our courses and the varied learning preferences of our students, we offer a range of assessment methods on each programme. Assessment techniques vary from module to module to reflect relevant assessment approaches and the key learning points of each topic.

On this programme you will be assessed via a combination of exams and coursework including: laboratory reports, essays, oral and poster presentations, research project reports, problem solving exercises and case studies.

Course tutors

Our staff are committed to the highest standards of teaching and learning

Imran Saleem

Programme Leader

Imran is a Reader in Nanomedicine and
ERASMUS coordinator within the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences. He
obtained his Pharmacy degree from LJMU and is a registered pharmacist. In 2004, he
received a PhD in Drug Delivery from Aston University, which was followed
by a postdoctoral research fellowship at the College of Pharmacy, University of
New Mexico.
Imran’s research transgresses multiple
disciplines, including formulation, drug delivery, nanotechnology, polymer science, chemistry,
cell and molecular biology. His work is involved in the application and
understanding of novel nanocarrier systems in overcoming biological barriers
for the targeted delivery of small molecules and macromolecules (proteins, peptides,
siRNA, miRNA) for human and veterinary use involving national and international
academics and industrial collaborators.

I
enjoy the interaction with students and seeing them progress with academic and
personal life skills that better equip them to deal with the
practicalities of life. During the course my team and I apply a student-centred
learning approach that fosters creativity, problem solving, critical thinking
and practical skills that will equip the students for life in the cosmetic
industry.

School facilities

What you can expect from your School

You will study at the Byrom Street site in the University’s City Campus. With an ongoing £12 million investment in laboratory facilities here and state-of-the-art research facilities in the newly developed Life Sciences building, you’ll enjoy a first class study environment.

All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check via NARIC
If you have applied to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate.
Contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance

Application and selection

Securing your place at LJMU

You will apply for the majority of postgraduate courses using our online application form. You should complete the form thoroughly and provide a detailed personal statement which reflects your suitability and aptitude for the programme.